Roller system having spaced apart external rotor motor

ABSTRACT

A roller system has a frame, a plurality of rollers (supported by the frame) forming a roller plane, and an external rotor motor (“motor”) spaced from the roller plane. As an external rotor motor, the motor has a stator and an external rotor radially outward of the stator to substantially circumscribe the stator. To kinetically couple the motor with the rollers, the system also has a transmission coupling coupled with the external rotor and at least one of the rollers. The transmission coupling and external rotor are configured so that rotation of the external rotor causes the at least one roller to rotate in response to a torque received through the transmission coupling.

PRIORITY

This patent application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 16/128,221, filed Sep. 11, 2018 and entitled “ROLLER SYSTEMHAVING SPACED APART EXTERNAL ROTOR MOTOR,” naming Kamran Ramezani, JasonOcain, Tony Hill, and Dean Panas as inventors, which is a continuationof U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/601,630, filed May 22, 2017, nowU.S. Pat. No. 10,093,483, and entitled “ROLLER SYSTEM HAVING SPACEDAPART EXTERNAL ROTOR MOTOR,” naming Kamran Ramezani, Jason Ocain, TonyHill, and Dean Panas as inventors, and claims priority from provisionalU.S. patent application No. 62/340,482, filed May 23, 2016, entitled,“GEARLESS MOTORIZED ROLLER UNDER THE ROLLER CONVEYER SYSTEM AS THEDRIVING FORCE,” and naming Kamran Ramezani as the sole inventor. Thedisclosures of all the above noted patents and patent applications areincorporated herein, in their entireties, by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Various embodiments of the invention generally relate to roller systemsand, more particularly, various embodiments of the invention relate toefficient and effective roller systems.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Ever more items are purchased on the Internet using online merchants,such as Amazon and eBay. These merchants often store their items in awarehouse until they are retrieved for delivery. After retrieval, theitems often are moved from one region of the warehouse to anotherwarehouse region using a roller system (also known as a “conveyersystem” or “roller conveyer”). Ultimately, the items typically areloaded from the roller system onto trucks for delivery. As the worldeconomy increasingly uses this business model, roller system efficiency,robustness, and cost become even more important.

Online merchants certainly are not the only companies that use rollersystems. For example, factories, wholesalers, and others have usedroller systems for years. Accordingly, their benefit and efficient useimpacts an even wider swath of the economy.

SUMMARY OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS

In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, a roller system(also known in the art as a “conveyer system”) has a frame, a pluralityof rollers (supported by the frame) that each have a roller shaft, andan external rotor motor (“motor”) having a motor shaft. The plurality ofroller shafts forms a roller shaft plane, and the motor shaft is spacedfrom the roller shaft plane. As an external rotor motor, the motor has astator and an external rotor radially outward of the stator tosubstantially circumscribe the stator. To kinetically couple the motorwith the rollers, the system also has a transmission coupling coupledwith the external rotor and at least one of the rollers. Thetransmission coupling and external rotor are configured so that rotationof the external rotor causes the at least one roller to rotate inresponse to a torque received through the transmission coupling.

The frame preferably has a first frame portion spaced from a secondframe portion and is configured so that a plurality of the rollers andthe motor are positioned between the first and second frame portions.The motor may have a first end coupled with the first frame portion, anda second end coupled with the second frame portion. Alternatively, thesystem may have a support member supporting the motor. In that case, themotor may have a first end coupled with the frame, and a second endcoupled with the support member. The second end preferably is spacedfrom the frame. Thus, the support member may support at least one of thefirst and second ends of the motor even though the second end is spacedfrom the frame. A removable coupling may be configured to removablysecure the motor to the frame.

The motor may include a gearless motor. For example, the motor may be abrushless DC motor with a sintered ring magnet. Moreover, thetransmission coupling may include a transmission belt circumscribing atleast a portion of the external rotor and at least a portion of the atleast one roller. Among other things, transmission coupling may includeone of a band, a flex coupling, a chain, and a timing belt.

Motion of the roller coupled with the motor may be transferred to otherrollers. For example, the plurality of rollers may include an additionalroller coupled with the at least one roller by a secondary transmissioncoupling. The secondary transmission coupling and the at least oneroller are configured so that rotation of the at least one roller causesthe additional roller to rotate in response to an additional torquereceived through the secondary transmission coupling.

To mitigate the stresses of a cantilevered motor coupling, illustrativeembodiments avoid a cantilevered coupling. To that end, an externalrotor includes a first end and a second end, and the rotor is positionedrelative to the stator via a first bearing and a second bearing. Thefirst bearing is closer to the first end than to the second end, and thesecond bearing is closer to the second end than to the first end. Thetransmission coupling is coupled with the external rotor between thefirst and second bearings. Moreover, to provide a relatively hightorque, the rotor outer dimension may be greater than the roller outerdimension.

In accordance with another embodiment, a roller system has a frame witha first frame portion spaced from a second frame portion, a plurality ofrollers 10 o rotatably coupled between the first frame portion and thesecond frame portion and forming a roller plane, and a gearless DC motor(“motor”) spaced from the roller plane and positioned between the firstframe portion and the second frame portion. The motor has a stator andan external rotor. Accordingly, the external rotor is radially outwardof the stator. The system also has a transmission coupling coupled withthe external rotor and at least one of the plurality of rollers.Rotation of the external rotor causes rotation of at least one otherroller (e.g., the roller to which it is coupled via the transmissioncoupling).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Those skilled in the art should more fully appreciate advantages ofvarious embodiments of the invention from the following “Description ofIllustrative Embodiments,” discussed with reference to the drawingssummarized immediately below.

FIG. 1 schematically shows a roller system during use that may beconfigured in accordance with illustrative embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 2 schematically shows a cross-sectional view of the roller systemof FIG. 1 across line 2-2.

FIG. 3 schematically shows a cross-sectional view of the roller systemof FIG. 1 across line X-X in accordance with one embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 4 schematically shows a perspective view of an illustrativeexternal rotor motor that may be used with the roller system of FIG. 1in accordance with illustrative embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 5 schematically shows a cross-sectional view of the motor of FIG. 4across line 5-5.

FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the motor of FIG. 4.

FIG. 7 schematically shows a cross-sectional view of the roller systemof FIG. 1 across line X-X in accordance with a second embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 8A schematically shows a cross-sectional view of the roller systemof FIG. 1 across line X-X in accordance with a third embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 8B schematically shows a perspective view of a motor supportbracket used configured in accordance with illustrative embodiments ofthe invention.

FIG. 9 shows a method of assembling the roller system of FIG. 1 inaccordance with illustrative embodiments of the invention.

FIGS. 10 and 11 schematically show another embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 12 and 13 schematically show the motor in accordance with otherembodiments.

DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

In illustrative embodiments, a roller system has a reliable, robust andwell-positioned motor that is relatively easy to service and replace,provides a high torque, and/or can be scaled to fit a plurality ofdifferent sizes and types of roller systems. To that end, the motor isspaced from a plane formed by a plurality of rollers coupled with asystem frame, and has an external rotor used in a manner that avoidscantilevering. Specifically, using a transmission coupling controlled bythe external rotor, the motor transmits its torque to one or more of therollers to rotate the rollers, enabling the roller system to transportobjects along its length. Details of illustrative embodiments arediscussed below.

FIG. 1 schematically shows a roller system 10 that may be configured inaccordance with illustrative embodiments of the invention. In thisexample, the roller system 10 moves objects 12 along its length. Forexample, the objects 12 can be parcels or boxes to be shipped to anultimate destination, such as a warehouse, store, or consumer. Theroller system 10 therefore provides an automated and efficient mechanismfor moving objects 12 from one area to another area. In fact, as peopleincreasingly make online purchases, some would say that they have becomeindispensable in the Internet economy.

To those ends, the roller system 10 has a frame 14 supporting aplurality of individual rollers 16. Specifically, the frame 14 may beconsidered to have first and second frame members 18 secured together byone or more cross-members (not shown) bolted or otherwise secured withboth of the members 18. Among other materials, the frame members 18 maybe formed from steel or other material that one skilled in the art mayselect to provide the necessary structural support.

The frame members 18 in FIG. 1 are shown as rigid members. Alternativeembodiments, however, may form the frame members 18 from movable,expandable, and/or flexible materials. Such embodiments thus areflexible so that the roller system 10 can be moved or rotated indifferent ways to fit into a variety of non-straight configurations. Forexample, the frame members 18 may be formed from a lattice with a hingeat each intersection point of the lattice members. The frame members 18may be movable and expandable.

FIG. 1 schematically shows optional elevation members 11 that elevatethe frame above the floor. These elevation members 11 may be adjustableor to fixed/not adjustable in height. Some embodiments eliminate theelevation members 11 entirely so that the frame can rest directly on thefloor (e.g., to move pallets).

The rollers 16 extend between the two frame members 18 and effectivelyform a roller plane (shown in the below discussed FIG. 2 as referencenumber “22”) along which the objects 12 move. This roller plane 22 maybe considered to have a thickness that is approximately equal to thethickness of the rollers 16. Such a thick plane therefore may have a topplanar portion and a bottom planar portion. During use, objects 12, suchas that shown in FIG. 1, traverse along the top planar portion of theroller plane 22. In illustrative embodiments, the motor 30 is not withinthe volume of the roller plane 22. In alternative embodiments, the motor30 is partially within the volume of the roller plane 22 and thus, stillspaced relative to it—i.e., spaced from a portion of it.

As discussed in greater detail below, the rollers 16 preferably are notenergized (i.e., they are non-motorized). Specifically, the rollers 16may be formed from a stainless steel tubular body 24 with a belt region26 to receive a torqueing force via a transmission coupling 28. Acontiguous or non-contiguous portion of the outer surface of each roller16 preferably is generally smooth to convey objects 12 along its length,while the rest of the outer surface, which can be contiguous ornon-contiguous, may include the belt region 26. Alternatively, the outersurface portion for conveying objects 12 may have some frictionalsurface, such as rubber pads and/or rubberized surfaces, to aid intransmitting the objects 12. Each of the rollers 16 also may have basicinternal components common in conventional rollers, such a stationaryshaft 36 (see the below discussed FIG. 3, which shows the end of theshaft 36) coupled with the tubular roller body 24 by means of a pair ofconventional bearings (not shown). Alternative embodiments also mayintersperse one or more motorized rollers 16 in the plane of rollers 16.Illustrative embodiments, however, do not require such motorized rollers16.

Those skilled in the art may couple the rollers 16 to each frame member18 by any of a variety of conventional means. For example, the portionsof the shaft 36 at each end of the roller 16 may be threaded and thussecured to its respective frame member 18 using a bolt (not shown). Thisconnection enables easy replacement of malfunctioning rollers 16. Thoseportions of the shaft 36 preferably also have structure for preventingshaft rotation. Among other ways, the portions of the shaft 36 at eachend of the roller 16 may have a special cross-sectional shape, such as ahexagonal or rectangular shape, that extends through a correspondingfemale shape in the respective frame member 18. For example, a portionof the shaft 36 having a hexagonal cross-sectional shape may extendthrough a hexagonal opening through the frame member 18. The innerdimension of the hexagonal opening should be slightly larger than theouter dimension of the shaft 36 and yet, provide a reasonably tight fit.Alternative embodiments omit the fastening device, such as the notednut. In that case, the rollers 16 are simply secured by their couplingwith corresponding openings in the frame members 18.

The roller system 10 may be configured to move objects 12 in onedirection, or in two directions. For example, one set of rollers 16 maybe configured to move objects 12 to the right from the perspective ofthe drawing, while another set of rollers 16 may be configured to moveobjects 12 to the left from the perspective of the drawing. Theserollers 16 may be configured to move objects 12 in the respectivedirections at different times, or at the same time. Accordingly, such aroller system 10 has an energizing mechanism configured to move in thedesired manners. As another example, the roller system 10 may beconfigured to move objects 12 to the left, to the right, and/or to boththe left and the right. To these ends, a switch or other controlmechanism (not shown) may enable the user to select one of those threemodes of operation.

It should be noted that FIG. 1 shows the roller system 10 as beinglinear and planar. Alternative embodiments, however, may apply to rollersystems 10 that are nonlinear and where three or more rollers 16 to notnecessarily form a plane. Among other things, rather than having alinear overall shape (in plan view), the roller system 10 may have anangled shape, a circular shape, an elliptical shape, a sinusoidal shape,or a random shape. Moreover, from a side view, the roller system 10 maytake on nonplanar shapes and thus, may form a sinusoidal or othernonlinear shape. In either case, two of the rollers 16 still may beconsidered to form the noted plane.

Indeed, the non-motorized rollers 16 do not have the inherent torque tomove objects 12 on its surface. To provide that torque, illustrativeembodiments have a motor 30, spaced away from the rollers 16, thatcouples with one or more rollers 16 to provide the noted torque. Tobetter detail the motor 30 and its relation with the rollers 16, FIG. 2schematically shows a cross-sectional view of the roller system 10 ofFIG. 1 across line 2-2. As shown, the motor 30 is spaced from therollers 16 but within the region encompassed by the frame 14 (the “frameregion 20”). In this case, the motor 30 is spaced away from the rollerplane 22 formed by two rollers 16 immediately above it from theperspective of FIG. 2. In illustrative embodiments, as shown in FIG. 2,the motor 30 is spaced away from at least the roller 16 to which it isdirectly coupled. In addition, the motor 30 is between the two framemembers 18 that together form the frame 14.

The motor 30 in this example delivers its torque to two differentrollers 16 via two separate transmission couplings 28. In other words,rotation of its external rotor 32 (discussed below) causes the tworollers 16 to rotate in response to a corresponding torque receivedthrough their transmission couplings 28. Of course, those transmissioncouplings 28 do not contact the same portion of the belt region 26 ofthe motor 30. Those skilled in the art may select any of a wide varietyof different types of transmission couplings 28. That selection maydepend on a wide variety of factors, such as cost, effectiveness,intended use and specifications of the roller system 10. For example,for a better grip, the transmission couplings 28 may be the so-called“Poly-V” type, which forms a series of V-shaped ridges that mate withcorresponding V-shaped grooves in the belt region 26 of the roller 16.Other embodiments may use so-called “O-ring” transmission couplings 28,which have generally smooth outer surfaces.

Accordingly, the transmission couplings 28 may include a band, a flexcoupling, a chain, and a timing belt, and these couplings may be madefrom any of a variety of single or composite materials, such vinyl,rubber, and/or metal. In fact, while preferred embodiments use the sametype of transmission couplings 28 for a given roller system 10,alternative embodiments may use different types of transmissioncouplings 28 for a single roller system 10.

The roller system 10 has a plurality of additional transmissioncouplings 28 coupled between other adjacent rollers 16. Accordingly, therollers 16 directly receiving torque from the motor 30 transmit thatsame torque to their adjacent rollers 16, which proceed to transmit thatsame torque to other adjacent rollers 16. Thus, during use, the motor 30transmits torque from its rotor 32, to at least one directly coupledroller 16, and then to other downstream rollers 16 coupled with upstreamrollers 16 already receiving the torque.

FIG. 3 schematically shows the relationship and interaction of the motorand one of its directly coupled rollers 16. This figure therefore showsa cross-sectional view of the roller system 10 across line X-X ofFIG. 1. In this embodiment, the motor 30 has two ends that eachrespectively extend substantially to and through one frame member 18.The removably coupled connection (e.g., with or without a bolt or otherremovably fastenable device) enables easy removal of the motor 30. Assuch, the motor 30 is modular relative to the frame 14 (i.e., they formtwo modules) It should be noted that a removable connection does notrequire damaging or otherwise breaking the structure of the rollersystem 10 for motor removal. For example, if the motor 30 were welded atits ends to the frame 14, then the connection would require the motor 30to be cut or otherwise forcibly removed from the frame 14—not aremovably coupled connection. Moreover, mere repairability of a damagedframe 14 does not suggest a removable connection.

This embodiment also has a pair of O-ring type transmission couplings 28at or near the left end of the motor 30 and roller 16 from theperspective of the figure. Although this example has two transmissioncouplings 28 between the motor 30 and one or more rollers 16, someembodiments may use fewer or more. For example, the roller system 10 mayhave one or more additional transmission couplings 28 in otherlocations. Other embodiments may position the transmission couplings 28nearer different ends of the motor 30. Those skilled in the art canselect the appropriate type, location, and number of transmissioncouplings 28 based on a variety of design and business factors.

In a manner similar to FIG. 2, FIG. 3 shows the spacing of the motorfrom the roller plane 22. That spacing can depend on a number ofvariables, such as the desired performance of the roller system 10, orthe type of transmission couplings 28. Those skilled in the art canselect that spacing based on those and any of a variety of otherfactors. Indeed, as noted above, the motor is spaced at least from theroller 16 to which it is coupled. Some embodiments with non-linearframes 14 may position the motor 30 in the same plane as another rollerplane 22 defined by other rollers 16 not directly coupled with the motor30.

As known in the art, the torque produced by an external rotor motor 30,such as that used by the embodiments in FIGS. 2 and 3, increasesapproximately with the square of its diameter. This can provide asubstantial benefit in high-torque applications if a larger motor 30 canbe used. Undesirably, prior art designs using motorized rollers 16 knownto the inventor are generally limited to have a diametrical size thatgenerally approximates that of the other rollers 16. Spacing the motor30 from the roller plane 22 in the manner discussed above and belowobviates that handicap by enabling use of a motor 30 having anappreciably larger diameter. Specifically, the diameter of the motor 30is limited primarily by the size of the area permitted for the motor 30beneath the roller plane 22.

The diameter of the motor 30 of FIG. 3, for example, is larger than thatof the rollers 16 it energizes. In that example, the rollers 16 may becompletely within the top and bottom region defined by the two framemembers 18. Specifically, from the perspective of FIG. 3, the frameregion 20 may be considered to be formed by the volume between top ofthe roller plane 22 and the plane identified as “bottom plane P”, whichis formed across the bottom of the frame 14. That volume also is boundedby the frame members 18 on the left and right sides. Alternatively, themotor 30 may be larger or re-positioned so that a portion of it mayextend outside of the frame region 20. For example, such alternativeembodiments may permit the motor 30 to at least partly extend out of theframe region 20 beyond the bottom plane P. In both types of embodiments,however, the motor 30 and rollers 16 are between the two frame members18. Accordingly, the motor 30 can have a diameter that is the same as,smaller, or larger than those of the rollers 16.

In addition to enabling use of a wider variety of motors 30 (e.g., alarger motor 30 for more torque, or a smaller motor 30 for less torque),illustrative embodiments also permit the motor 30 to be replaced moreeasily due to its placement away from the roller plane 22 and itsremovable connection. This design further favorably eliminates damagingcantilevering forces inherent in prior art designs known to theinventor.

Specifically, motors having an internal rotor typically extend theirrotors from the main body of the motor and position a transmissioncoupling from that protruding portion. This produces a cantileveringforce to the motor that can eventually break down the motor morerapidly. Illustrative embodiments avoid that cantilevering problem bypositioning the transmission coupling 28 along the main portion of themotor 30. The structure of the motor 30 enables such a beneficialresult. A more detailed description of the design of illustrativeembodiments of the motor 30 highlights this benefit.

To that end, FIG. 4 schematically shows one generic type of externalrotor motor 30 that may be used to provide the non-cantilevered torquediscussed above. As shown, the motor 30 has an outer, generally tubularrotor body having a circular/elliptically shaped cross section at manyor all locations. The rotor body can be formed in a variety of manners,such as by machining a solid metal tube, from rolled metal, or by othermeans. As suggested above, this tubular rotor body effectively forms therotor 32 of the motor 30. Also as shown, the belt region 26 of thisdesign can use two different types of transmission couplings 28.Specifically, the belt region 26 has a first portion that accepts O-ringbelts (as in FIG. 4), and a second, non-contiguous portion that canaccept Poly-V belts. To better understand the motor 30, FIG. 5schematically shows a cross-sectional view of the motor 30 across line5-5, while FIG. 6 schematically shows an exploded view of the motor 30.

As shown in FIG. 5, the motor 30 also has a stationary portion thatcooperates with the rotor 32 to cause the rotor 32 to rotate. The rotor32 therefore is positioned radially outward relative to the stationaryportion—it partly or completely circumscribes the stationary portion(i.e., it partly or completely circumscribes the stator 34).

As such, in illustrative embodiments, the motor 30 preferably is abrushless, DC motor. To that end, the stationary portion has the abovenoted stator 34 (formed by a plurality of windings) that extends arounda linear portion of stationary shaft 36. A printed circuit board 38 tothe right of the windings controls commutation of the motor 30. Forexample, the printed circuit board 38 may have magnetic sensors (e.g.,Hall sensors) to detect movement of the rotor 32. Other embodiments mayhave other circuitry or mechanisms to detect rotor movement, and/or mayposition the commutation circuitry/printed circuit board 38 outside ofthe motor housing/rotor 32. Part or all of the shaft 36 may form ahollow bore 40 to permit wiring to couple with the printed circuit board38 and the stator 34. That wiring may include control wires 35 (FIG. 12,discussed below) to transmit magnetic signals, energizing wires 35 toenergize the electromagnet formed by the stator 34, and wires 35 forother functions. Alternative embodiments may position some of thecommutation circuit outside of the motor 30 (i.e., an externalcontroller).

To interact with the stator 34 for commutation, the rotor 32 has apermanent magnet 42 secured to much of its internal surface. Inillustrative embodiments, the magnet 42 includes a ring magnet orsimilar magnet. For example, the magnet 42 may include a hot pressed,sintered magnet of high purity. Such a magnet 42 is formed primarily ofmagnetic material and coupling media. A minimal amount of fillerspreferably is used.

The commutation circuitry 38 therefore detects rotation of the magnet 42of the rotor 32 to energize the overall motor 30. To rotatably couplethe rotor 32 about the stationary portion, the motor 30 also has a firstbearing 44 (to the left side of the motor 30 from the perspective ofFIG. 5) and a second bearing 44 (to the right side of the motor 30 fromthe perspective of FIG. 5). A clip 46 at each end may secure thebearings 44 to the shaft 36.

The transmission coupling 28 therefore couples to the motor 30 betweenthe two bearings 44. Accordingly, from the perspective of the twobearings 44, the transmission coupling 28 does not produce acantilevered force—it applies its force between the two bearings 44,which each delivers a Newtonian counteracting force on both sides of thetransmission coupling 28. This is in contrast to roller system designsin which the transmission coupling 28 provides a force that iscantilevering relative to both bearings 44. In other words, withnon-cantilevered designs, the transmission coupling 28 provides a forcethat is counteracted by a force on one side only (i.e., one side of theshaft 36). Although that one sided force may be provided by two or morebearings 44, it still is cantilevered. Illustrative embodiments,however, provide a counteracting supporting force on both sides of thetransmission coupling 28. As such, the shaft 36 and motor 30 componentsshould experience less stress, enhancing the lifespan of the motor 30and, ultimately, the roller system 10.

At the end of the lifespan of the motor 30, however, one skilled in theart may easily replace the motor 30 due to its strategic placement awayfrom the roller plane 22. Moreover, the motor 30 preferably is a“gearless” motor. As its name suggests, such a motor 30 has no gears.Such a design is simpler than a geared motor and should be less prone tobreakdown.

Alternative embodiments may use other type of motors 30, such as abrushed motor, or a geared motor. Accordingly, discussion of thespecific type of motor 30 of FIGS. 4-6 is illustrative and not intendedto limit all embodiments of the invention.

Some embodiments may have longer shafts 36 and shorter rotors 32. FIG. 7shows one such embodiment. This embodiment may be an efficient way touse a motor 30 with a linearly smaller rotor 32 and stator 34 across aframe 14 having farther spaced apart spaced frame members 18.

Alternative embodiments do not necessarily extend the motor 30 theentire distance between the two frame members 18. Among other ways, asupport member 48 may support one or both ends of the motor 30. To thatend, FIG. 8A schematically shows one such alternative embodiment inwhich one end of the motor 30 is coupled with one frame member 18, whilethe other end is supported by the support member 48. The support member48 in this embodiment couples with both frame members 18 by somepermanent or removable connection. Alternatively, the support member 48may couple with only one of the frame members 18, hang from the rollerplane 22 (e.g., connected to a support member 48 coupled with the frame14), or from a plane beneath the motor 30.

FIG. 8B schematically shows a perspective view of one embodiment of thesupport member 48. In this embodiment, the support member 48 isconfigured to be capable of supporting one motor 30. In alternativeembodiments, the support member 48 is configured to support two closelyspaced motors 30. Among other things, the support member 48 may beformed as a metal or other robust bracket that is bolted to the frame14. Using holes and/or openings/apertures, the motor 30 may be coupledwith the bracket in a similar manner to the way it is coupled with theframe 14 in other embodiments.

Specifically, as in some other embodiments, the portion of the shaft 36at the end spaced from the frame 14 may be threaded and thus secured tothe support member 48 using a bolt. Also in a manner similar to otherembodiments, that end of the shaft 36 preferably also has structure forpreventing shaft rotation. Among other ways, the portions of the shaft36 at that end may have a special cross-sectional shape, such as ahexagonal or rectangular shape, that extends through a correspondingfemale shape in the support member 48. For example, a portion of theshaft 36 having a hexagonal cross-sectional shape may extend through ahexagonal opening through the support member 48. The inner dimension ofthe hexagonal opening should be slightly larger than the outer dimensionof the shaft 36 at that point and yet, provide a reasonably tight fit.Alternative embodiments omit the fastening device, such as the notednut. In that case, the motor 30 is simply secured by its coupling withthe opening in the support member 48.

Illustrative embodiments can assemble the roller system 10 in any of avariety of manners. FIG. 9 shows one example of a process of assemblingthe roller system 10 of FIG. 8A in accordance with illustrativeembodiments of the invention. It should be noted that this process issubstantially simplified from a longer process that may be used toassemble the roller system 10. Accordingly, the process of assemblingthe roller system 10 may have additional steps, such as testing steps,electrical connection steps, and/or lubrication steps, which thoseskilled in the art may use. In addition, some of the steps may beperformed in a different order than that shown, or at the same time.Those skilled in the art therefore can modify the process asappropriate. Moreover, as noted above, many of the materials andstructures noted are but one of a wide variety of different materialsand structures that may be used. Those skilled in the art can select theappropriate materials and structures depending upon the application andother constraints. Accordingly, discussion of specific materials andstructures is not intended to limit all embodiments. Finally, it shouldbe noted that this process may be extrapolated to form other discussedembodiments of the roller system 10, such as the embodiment of FIG. 4.

The process of FIG. 9 begins at step 900, which secures the rollers 16to the frame 14. For embodiments using a nut, this step may fasten therollers 16 with the requisite nuts. Each of the rollers 16 to couplewith a motor 30 (referred to herein as “motor-coupled rollers 16”) has atransmission coupling 28 that, at this point, is simply hanging aroundits periphery. The rollers 16 also are coupled to other rollers 16, suchas adjacent rollers 16, via secondary transmission couplings 28, in themanner as shown in FIG. 2. These secondary transmission couplings 28translate torque from the motor-coupled rollers 16 to the rollers 16 notcoupled with the motor(s) 30.

Next, each motor 30 is passed through the transmission coupling(s) 28hanging down from the motor-coupled rollers 16 (step 904). Someembodiments may couple each motor 30 with just one motor-coupled roller16, while other embodiments may couple each motor 30 with two, three, ormore motor coupled rollers 16. For example, FIG. 2 shows one motor 30coupled with two motor-coupled rollers 16.

Step 906 then attaches the support member 48 to both the motor 30 andthe frame 14. To that end, automated processes or an assembler may passthe shaft 36 through the frame 14 on the left end (from the perspectiveof FIG. 8A) and through the opening in the support member 48 on theright end. Some removable securing mechanism then may be added toprovide a strong connection.

In some embodiments, the shaft 36 couples with a longitudinal slotthrough the frame 14 extending downwardly. In a similar manner, thesupport member 48 also may couple with the frame 14, on one or bothframe members 18, through a similar slot member also extendingdownwardly. This slot may mate with a flat on the shaft 36 toinhibit/prevent shaft rotation. At this stage, step 908 adjusts thetension in the transmission coupling 28 to ensure an appropriately tightfit between the external rotor 32 and the motor-coupled roller(s) 16.For example, FIGS. 3, 7 and 8A show an adjusting plate 50 and adjustingbolt 51 that enable that tension adjustment. After the tension isappropriately set, the bracket and motor 30 may be more securelyfastened in place to the frame 14.

Accordingly, as noted above, illustrative embodiments produce anefficient, more flexible roller system 10 that can provide more precisetorques, whether a high or low torque. In addition, thenon-cantilevered, gearless motor is expected to be more robust, thuslengthening the lifespan of the roller system 10. Spacing of the motor30 from the roller plane 22 necessarily spaces a significant source ofheat (i.e., the motor 30) from objects 12 translated by the rollersystem 10. Accordingly, the roller system 10 should have less impact onheat sensitive objects 12 (e.g., dairy, frozen foods, and/or produce).

FIGS. 10 and 11 respectively show another embodiment of the invention inwhich the motor 30 is not fully spaced from the roller plane 22. In thisembodiment, the motor 30 is not spaced from the roller plane 22 (ittakes up the entire cross-sectional/thickness of the roller plane 22)and, in fact, is aligned with the top of the roller plane. Thisembodiment nevertheless forms a roller shaft plane 22A from the rollershafts. In a manner similar to other embodiments, the motor shaft 36 isspaced from the roller shaft plane 22A despite the position and size ofthe motor 30 itself. A related embodiment is shown in other figures,such as FIGS. 3, 7, and 8A.

During use, the wires 35 noted above may become damaged. To minimizethat impact, FIG. 12 schematically shows the shaft as having a wire slot36A that enables the wires 35 to bend into the slot, minimizing the riskof damage. Alternatively, rather than have the wires 35, someembodiments (FIG. 13) may have a connector interface 66 (e.g., with apin pattern as shown) that couples with an external cable (not shown).

Although the above discussion discloses various exemplary embodiments ofthe invention, it should be apparent that those skilled in the art canmake various modifications that will achieve some of the advantages ofthe invention without departing from the true scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A roller system comprising: a frame; a plurality of rollers supported by the frame, each of the plurality of rollers having a roller shaft, the plurality of roller shafts forming a roller shaft plane; an external rotor motor (“motor”) having a stator and an external rotor, the external rotor being radially outward of the stator to substantially circumscribe the stator, the motor also having a motor shaft spaced from the roller shaft plane, the motor shaft being configured to not rotate when the motor is energized, the motor being coupled with the frame in a non-cantilevered manner; and a transmission coupling coupled with the external rotor and at least one of the rollers, the transmission coupling and external rotor configured so that rotation of the external rotor causes the at least one roller to rotate in response to a torque received through the transmission coupling.
 2. The roller system as defined by claim 1 wherein the frame has a first frame portion spaced from a second frame portion, the plurality of rollers and motor being between the first and second frame portions.
 3. The roller system as defined by claim 1 further comprising a support member, further wherein the motor has a first end coupled with the frame and a second end coupled with the support member, the second end being spaced from the frame.
 4. The roller system as defined by claim 1 further comprising a support member, further wherein the motor has a first end and a second end, the support member supporting at least one of the first and second ends, the second end being spaced from the frame.
 5. The roller system as defined by claim 1 wherein the motor comprises a gearless motor.
 6. The roller system as defined by claim 1 wherein the transmission coupling includes a transmission belt circumscribing at least a portion of the external rotor and at least a portion of the at least one roller.
 7. The roller system as defined by claim 1 wherein the transmission coupling comprises one of a band, a flex coupling, a chain, and a timing belt.
 8. The roller system as defined by claim 1 wherein the frame has a first frame portion spaced from a second frame portion, the motor having a first end coupled with the first frame portion, the motor having a second end coupled with the second frame portion.
 9. The roller system as defined by claim 1 wherein the external rotor includes a first end and a second end, the rotor being positioned relative to the stator via a first bearing and a second bearing, the first bearing being closer to the first end than to the second end, the second bearing being closer to the second end than to the first end, the transmission coupling being coupled with the external rotor between the first and second bearings.
 10. The roller system as defined by claim 1 wherein the motor comprises a brushless DC motor with a magnet, the magnet being one of a hot pressed ring magnet or a sintered ring magnet.
 11. The roller system as defined by claim 1 further including a removable coupling configured to removably secure the motor to the frame.
 12. The roller system as defined by claim 1 wherein the external rotor has a rotor outer diameter and the at least one roller has a roller outer dimension, the rotor outer dimension being greater than the roller outer dimension.
 13. The roller system as defined by claim 1 wherein the plurality of rollers includes an additional roller, the additional roller being coupled with the at least one roller by a secondary transmission coupling, the secondary transmission coupling and the at least one roller configured so that rotation of the at least one roller causes the additional roller to rotate in response to an additional torque received through the secondary transmission coupling.
 14. The roller system as defined by claim 1 further comprising a commutation circuit at least partially external to the motor.
 15. The roller system as defined by claim 1 wherein the motor is modular relative to the frame.
 16. The roller system as defined by claim 1 wherein the external rotor of the motor comprises stainless steel.
 17. The roller system as defined by claim 1 wherein the motor comprises a wire extending through the motor shaft, the motor shaft having a slot for accommodating the wire.
 18. The roller system as defined by claim 1 wherein the shaft includes a connector interface for coupling with an external cable, the connector being electrically coupled with commutation circuitry of the motor.
 19. A roller system comprising: a frame having a first frame portion spaced from a second frame portion; a plurality of rollers rotatably coupled between the first frame portion and the second frame portion, the plurality of rollers forming a roller plane; a gearless DC motor (“motor”) spaced from the roller plane and positioned between the first frame portion and the second frame portion, the motor having a stator and an external rotor, the external rotor being radially outward of the stator, the motor being coupled with the frame in a non-cantilevered manner; and a transmission coupling coupled with the external rotor and at least one of the plurality of rollers, rotation of the external rotor causing rotation of the at least one roller.
 20. A roller system comprising: a frame; a plurality of rollers supported by the frame, the plurality of rollers forming a roller plane; and means for controlling rotation of the plurality of rollers, the controlling means being spaced from the roller plane and being coupled with the frame in a non-cantilevered manner, the controlling means comprising external rotor means and means for transmitting mechanical energy from the external rotor means to at least one of the plurality of rollers, the transmitting means and external rotor means configured so that rotation of the external rotor means causes the at least one roller to rotate in response to a force received through the transmitting means. 